Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr will clash at the King Abdullah Sports City today in an exciting top-of-the-table clash. Second-place Al-Nassr will seek to make amends after a disappointing exit from the AFC Champions League and hope to secure a win against third-place Al-Ahli.
Al-Ahli vs Al-Nassr
The host, Al-Ahli, has been in good form lately under Matthias Jaissle, the former RB Salzburg coach. They are currently 3rd in the Saudi Pro League, 6 points behind Al-Nassr. Al-Ahli has an impressive home record of 11 consecutive games, unbeaten with seven wins and four draws. On the other hand, Al-Nassr is hoping to move on from the AFC Champions League quarter-final exit. They are currently 12 points behind league leader Al-Hilal in second place. Al-Nassr has been unable to win in their previous four games in all competitions, losing three in a row.
Their title hopes look unattainable. With just seven games left, they might lose their spot to Al-Ahli, who is closing in.
So far, both teams have met 63 times in all competitions. They’ve had a close contest, with Al-Ahli slightly ahead with 26 wins, leaving Al-Nassr with 24 wins and 13 draws. Both teams have equally lost four matches this season in the league. Al-Nassr are unbeaten in their previous four meetings against the hosts with three wins, making today a tightly contested fixture.
Al-Ahli Team News
Al-Ahli will go into this fixture with a few injury concerns. Midfielder Abdullah Otayf is still sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury. Spanish playmaker Gabri Veiga is still recovering from an ankle injury, missing his fourth straight game since mid-February. The rest of the squad will be available today to put up a good challenge against their visitor, Al-Nassr.
Possible Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Mendy; Balobaid, Hindi, Demiral, Majrashi; Kessie, Al-Asmari; Saint-Maximin, Firmino, Mahrez; Al-Buraikan
Coach: Matthias Jaissle
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After an emotional and dramatic night for Ronaldo and Al-Nassr, they exited on penalties in what seemed to be a thrilling quarterfinal match in the AFC Champions League. They’ll be moving on from their impressive performance but unfortunate exit to hopefully secure a win today against Al-Ahli.
Al-Nassr’s Luis Castro will be without his talisman, Anderson Talisca, due to a muscle injury he sustained against Al-Hazem last month. Another unavailable player is goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah, who is sidelined due to a leg problem. Raghed Al-Najjar will be the keeper for today’s game. The rest of the squad will be available, leaving Ronaldo spearheading the attack with Mane in this fixture.
Possible Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Najjar; Lajami, Al-Amri, Fatil, Telles; Al-Khaibari, Brozovic; Mane, Otavio, Ghareeb; Cristiano Ronaldo
Coach: Luis Castro
Conclusion
Ronaldo, currently the highest goal scorer in the Saudi Pro League, will be looking to add to his tally, thereby being the game’s primary focus. However, Ronaldo prioritizes his team’s success over his accolades. Al-Nassr will hope to boost their morale with a win against Al-Ahly, who have an impressive home record. We anticipate a tightly contested fixture as both teams share close statistics.
Date: March 15, 2024
Time: 19:00 UTC
Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Weather Forecast: 26°